What is a joint degree program?
- Allow students to obtain a J.D. and another graduate degree simultaneously
- A Juris Doctor allows the student to develop core knowledge pertaining heavily with law fields emphasizing
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
- Reading comprehension
- Application of specialized knowledge and resources to specific facts
- However, does not always encompass the entire body of knowledge necessary for entering into a specialized field
- Benefits students who wish to enter into a highly specialized field that may not require them to practice law in a traditional law-firm/law practice setting
The number of dual degrees available for law students are plentiful and go beyond the list we have assembled below. Some examples of popular dual degree programs are:
- JD/Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- JD/Masters of Public Health (MPH)
- JD/Masters of Social Work (MSW)
- JD/Masters of Public Policy (MPP)
- JD/PhD
Admissions Process to Joint Degree Programs:
- Law schools have individualized admissions requirements with the school they partner with to administer such joint degrees
- May require admission to the programs separately or may not require additional admissions criteria to be met
- Check the requirements for each school and follow the relevant instructions
Time/Financial Information Regarding Joint Degree Programs:
- Universities have different requirements for earning the JD and Master’s Program degrees
- Consider the credit load and time to graduate with both degrees
- Many require an additional year or more of schooling to complete the JD and the Master’s Degree
- Universities have different methods of paying for the JD and Master’s Degree
- May allow students to earn both degrees for a set price, while others may require students to pay for additional credits
- Significantly alters the cost of your JD
- Questions regarding financing your legal education? Please see our Financing Law School page
- May allow students to earn both degrees for a set price, while others may require students to pay for additional credits
It is highly recommended that you contact a Pre-Law Advisor to discuss the possibilities of joint degree programs! (prelaw@hawaii.edu)